§ 22. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that strong attempts are now being made in the United States of America to capture the bulk of the import trade of Mexico; that such attempts are well organised and supported by American chambers of commerce; if so, whether any efforts are being made to compete by British traders; and whether British chambers of commerce are supporting or would support an attempt to develop a trade with Mexico?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I am aware that efforts are being made by traders in the U.S.A. to promote their trade with Mexico, for which they enjoy geographical advantages, but as I explained in replying to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wednesbury on the 27th March, British trade with Mexico has also been not unsatisfactorily maintained. British chambers of commerce are in close contact with my Department and are ready in this as in other markets to render all assistance within their power.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs my hon. Friend in a position to state whether or not his Department is in touch with the Foreign Office in this matter, and is he submitting to them any information about the importance of trading relations between this country and Mexico?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEMost certainly. My Department is a joint Department of the Foreign Office and the Board of Trade and is in daily constant touch, of course, with the Foreign Office on all these subjects.